Realism is often a sought-after quality among FPS gamers, whether from a visual standpoint or based on gameplay elements. Entire genres such as military simulation and tactical FPS have developed as a result, each with its own unique approach to providing an authentic and believable combat experience. Rather than scoring points and boosting levels, some gamers prefer the intensity of a one-shot kill environment where every tactical decision is important rather than a mere afterthought.
Whether it’s up close and personal house raids in modern cities or nationwide military campaigns from the 1800s, each of the following games has its own approach to realism and handling the subject of warfare. So, if you’re looking for a game that will not just entertain you but also provide you with some good old-fashioned frontline PTSD, these titles are certainly worth checking out.
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### 10. Bodycam – A Flawed But Promising Competitive Shooter
Designed with realism in mind, *Bodycam* is anything but your average multiplayer shooter. Inspired by the hyper-realistic style of *Unrecord*, *Bodycam* does a great job at presenting combat from a realistic viewpoint, even if it falls short in some other areas.
Map designs are solid with a decent variety of close-quarters battle (CQB) and long-range engagements. In this game, one well-placed hit can make the difference between life and death. The best way to describe *Bodycam*’s combat is “consequential,” particularly in its elimination-style Team Deathmatch mode.
The chest-height camera view certainly looks the part, but this doesn’t always translate into practical gameplay. Movement controls and climbing can feel awkward at times, though it’s important to remember that *Bodycam* is still in early access. The game shows strong potential and will appeal especially to players seeking a realistic tactical shooter with a competitive multiplayer focus.
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### 9. Red Orchestra / Rising Storm – A Truly Unique First-Person Shooter Series
Made on a comparatively small budget, the *Red Orchestra/Rising Storm* series is a fantastic World War II shooter bundle on Steam that places realism and tactics at the forefront.
The series is divided into two theaters of war:
– *Red Orchestra* covers European conflicts, particularly on the Eastern Front, with iconic battles such as Stalingrad and Druzhina.
– *Rising Storm* focuses on the Pacific Theater, featuring maps like Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal.
A follow-up game, *Rising Storm 2: Vietnam*, applies the same PvP format to the 1960s conflict.
All games in the series excel in gunplay, movement, ballistics, and map design. While it may not be the most realistic shooter of all time, it offers a more authentic and life-like experience compared to your average multiplayer FPS. The games include single-player campaigns but occasionally suffer from poor AI and technical issues.
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### 8. Verdun – The Ultimate WWI Experience
World War I is often overlooked in the FPS genre, but *Verdun* and its follow-up titles are notable exceptions. Developed by Blackmill Games, the WWI Game Series offers an addictive trilogy that utilizes the technology of the era and faithfully represents different theaters of war.
– *Verdun* focuses on one of the most infamous battlefields of the conflict.
– *Tannenberg* and *Isonzo* cover the Eastern and Italian Fronts, respectively.
While *Verdun* might not always demand heavy tactical gameplay, it brilliantly captures the scale of WWI’s large battlefields, serving as an excellent entry point for newcomers.
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### 7. Squad – A True Team-Based Tactical Shooter
For fans of modern multiplayer shooters with a heavy emphasis on realism and tactics, *Squad* stands out as one of the best. It pits players in large 50 versus 50 battles across sprawling maps.
*Squad* excels in creating intense combat situations that require players to adopt strategies and follow orders to succeed. The variety of weapons and vehicles is impressive, ranging from makeshift IEDs to anti-tank guided missiles.
Moreover, players can build emplacements, fortifications, and tech structures, setting *Squad* apart from typical FPS games.
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### 6. Gray Zone Warfare – Open World Realism
One of the newest entries in the realism-focused tactical shooter scene, *Gray Zone Warfare* has seen significant improvements since its somewhat rocky launch and early access period.
Set in a large jungle environment, players complete a variety of objectives in a unique PvPvE setting unlike most other FPS titles. Despite some balancing and spawning hiccups, the game is on track to become a top-tier tactical shooter.
The *Winds of War* update, released earlier this year, greatly enhanced the experience with additional game modes, a more dynamic faction outpost system, and a complete PvP overhaul. The newly implemented dynamic weather system is also one of the best you’ll find in any open-world or tactical FPS game.
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### 5. ARMA 2 – The Classic Hardcore Military Simulator
*ARMA 2* is one of the most successful military simulators of all time. It helped popularize the modding community with projects like *DayZ*, which went on to achieve its own substantial success.
Set in the fictional country of Chernarus, *ARMA 2* depicts a regional proxy war between American and Russian forces. It features a robust main campaign, various scenarios, extensive mod support, and multiplayer options.
Although its gameplay may feel dated today, *ARMA 2* was revolutionary at release with its realistic movement, accurate ballistics, and diverse vehicles including boats and aircraft. Subsequent titles like *ARMA 3* and *ARMA Reforger* have continued the legacy, but many players still hold a special place for *ARMA 2*. The *Operation Arrowhead* DLC added another entire country-sized Middle Eastern map, expanding the game’s scope further.
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### 4. Hell Let Loose – A Brutally Unforgiving WWII Experience
Among current realistic WWII shooters, *Hell Let Loose* is difficult to match in terms of intensity and authenticity.
This brutally unforgiving game places players into massive battles with several hundred participants, where a single shot can end your match, forcing you to wait for a spawn point.
Longer-than-usual spawn times intensify combat, holding both you and your team back when you’re eliminated. This creates a heavy emphasis on leadership, teamwork, and strategy.
Some of the most memorable moments come during the game’s most intense combat scenarios—from tanks and infantry fights to artillery barrages and strafing runs from planes overhead. In *Hell Let Loose*, nowhere is truly safe.
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### 3. War of Rights – The Ultimate Civil War Simulation
Few games capture the realism of musket warfare as effectively as *War of Rights*. Set during the American Civil War, this multiplayer shooter emphasizes teamwork and obedience to command.
Organized volleys of fire increase weapon effectiveness, and the game excels at simulating the pressure felt when under attack. Long reload times force players to choose their shots carefully, and bayonet charges are as brutal and intense as history suggests.
Moreover, *War of Rights* hosts some of the best seasonal events in gaming. These include the 1776 Independence War event in July and the popular Zombie Onslaught mode in October.
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### 2. Escape From Tarkov – The Father of Extraction Shooters
*Escape From Tarkov* epitomizes the hardcore shooter. One mistake can cost hours of progress, making every second filled with tension.
As an early pioneer of the extraction shooter genre, *Tarkov* focuses on the core gameplay loop: get in, loot what you can, and get out alive. The game offers no tutorials or hand-holding, requiring players to prepare thoroughly before entering its hauntingly desolate maps.
What makes *Tarkov* exceptional is not just its high-stakes matches but also the realism of combat and the atmospheric post-Soviet environments. Inventory management adds a strategic dimension, encouraging careful planning over run-and-gun tactics.
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### 1. Ready Or Not – As Real As It Gets
While not perfect, *Ready Or Not* gets the vast majority of things right. Inspired by the classic *SWAT* series, it provides incredibly realistic and tactical combat from the perspective of a SWAT team leader.
Part tactical FPS and part PTSD simulator, this game stands out due to its intense mission designs, harrowing crime scenes, and brutal combat encounters.
Despite occasional technical issues and a recent censorship controversy, *Ready Or Not* remains a visual and gameplay powerhouse. Some have even criticized the game for being too realistic—missions such as a nightclub massacre and a college campus shooting sparked debates about their appropriateness.
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If you’re seeking FPS games that emphasize realism, tactical depth, and authentic combat experiences, these ten titles offer a range of settings and gameplay styles sure to satisfy hardcore fans of the genre. Whether you prefer historical battles, modern warfare, or intense multiplayer shootouts, these games provide immersive and challenging experiences that go far beyond the typical run-and-gun shooter.
https://www.dualshockers.com/most-realistic-fps-games-you-need-to-play/
